Israel Makes the Hormones I Need, But I Support Palestinian Liberation
Israel Makes the Hormones I Need, But I Support Palestinian Liberation
"A large part of the trans community in the U.S. is being forced to choose between our life-affirming transitions and our Palestinian siblings’ demand for freedom."
I just found out that if you're taking the iconic blue b estrogen pill you're taking pills manufactured by an Israeli company in occupied Palestine. Obviously I require HRT, these supple cheeks require a healthy dose, but does anyone know if there's a way to get hormones without violating BDS?
Its manufactured in India as well. Evadiol. There are many generics available from China too.
I don't know about what's available in the US, but gel or injections have way less side effects than pills when it comes to estradiole, might want to look into these.
How is the gel applied?
Lower arm, inner thigh or scrotal (or labial if post OP). Scrotal has the best absorption, but some can't handle the dysphoria of applying it and it's kinda inconvenient compared to using the arm. Takes about 3-10 minutes to dry depending on dosage vs surface area and also the brand, some contain additives that ease absorption. It's generally easy to fit into my day, i just rub it on after i've showered and apply a second dose in the evening. One thing to keep in mind with estradiole gels is that some of it stays in the skin for a long time and can fuck with blood test results when the blood is taken from the area where the gel is applied, so it's advised not to use the arm you usually get blood drawn from for at least a week (better two to make sure) before the test or your E2 will be tested way higher than it actually is.
I'd switch to injections if these where more readily available around here, blood levels are more stable with them, but i'd either need to import them from the Czech Republic or have them custom made, and if my endocrinologist would prescribe either to me health insurance may rip her head off due to the coast. But injections are much more common in the US AFAIK.
does anyone know if there's a way to get hormones without violating BDS?
There are other forms of HRT which are both safer and more effective. Where I live, estradiol patches are pretty much the preferred form. The ones I use are manufactured in Switzerland.
I’ve been looking into DIY in case hormones become difficult to acquire where I live. Looks like you can buy estradiol powder from china but you have pretty much have to buy in bulk. I use patches though I don’t know if they violate BDS, I should probably check.
I doubt that Israel is the only place making estradiole, it's not that hard to synthesize from phytoestrogens and there's no patent on the procedure anymore afaik.
that sucks. it's one thing for me to try to only buy coffee from non-exploitative places because i don't require it to be well, but this just sucks. no ethical consumption in its most visible form. i assume at least one person both cares about this and also doesn't have simple access to another form of HRT.
Dang, one of those moments where you wish what some folks say about soy were true. What a sustainable and accessible alternative. I think it's a complete protein too, can feed two birds with one scone.
That sucks. Where I live this is pretty much the only way since we ran out of injectable estrogen for a long time, and the pharmacies here won't tell us if they can re-order it so I don't know if the drought is over.
Edit: this prompted me to call around and see if one would answer. Walgreens is claiming they can, but they did that last shortage too.
Can you gwt it from a componding pharmacy?